Fantasy baseball: A Zephyr on the way up? MLB news, and a look back (05.06.10)

THE THURSDAY RAG ARMNews and notes from around baseball which could affect your team

Emilio BonifacioIn a sign Cameron Maybin may be headed back to the Zephyrs, there is speculation the Marlins are considering calling up Emilio Bonifacio and placing him in the leadoff hole. Sounds sort of strange, especially since not only does Bonifacio have a lifetime BA of .247 in the majors, he isn’t even hitting in New Orleans. In 18 games with the Z’s, he is hitting .257 with six RBIs and four stolen bases. He’s also 4-for-his-last-23. Maybin is hitting .238 with just three stolen bases and an OBP of just above .300. Chris Coghlan is leading off today for Florida against the Giants.

Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez injured his hand and shoulder diving back to second base in Wednesday night’s win over the Dodgers. While he remained in the game until the ninth, it sounds like he could be out for a bit. We’ll have to wait and see whether a trip to the disabled liest is in order, but benching him is probably the best option for now.

Braves outfielder Jason Heyward will miss Thursday’s game against the Nationals with a sore groin, although it doesn’t appear to be serious. Still, Atlanta is in a deep hole without him, and you can expect them to be very cautious before allowing him back into the starting lineup. If he’s not back by Sunday, it might be a good idea to bench him in weekly change leagues.

Orioles reliever Mike Gonzalez, who had a rough start to the season has begun throwing from 60 feet. He is rehabbing with a shoulder injury, and could be back with the team in about four weeks. Still, Baltimore isn’t winning many games these days, and even when Gonzalez returns there are plenty other options in mixed leagues.

THURSDAY LAGNIAPPE: Twins all-everything catcher Joe Mauer took batting practice Thursday, and he could be back in the lineup by the weekend. ... Despite his slow start, Reds outfielder Drew Stubbs is not going to the minors, said GM Walt Jocketty. Stubbs, however, likely will be removed from the leadoff spot. ... Lance Berkman told the Houston Chronicle that he would waive his no-trade clause if it “benefits the organization.” He is in the final year of his contract with the Astros holding a club option for 2011. ... Eric Byrnes, 34, who was released last weekend by the Mariners, likely will retire.

Miguel Cabrera and Alex Avila, Tigers (lost to Twins 5-4)The combined line: 5-for-6, 4HR, 4RBIs, 4R
They each hit two solo homers, but in a case of tough luck, it was the only four runs Detroit could muster. Even worse for Avila, it was the only time this season in 40 at-bats he had driven in any runs.

Tony Gwynn Jr., Padres (lost to Rockies 6-5 in 12 inn.)The line: 0-for-6, .206 BA
Even worse than his BA, he is hitless in his last 14 at-bats. His troubles are sort of being overshadowed by his multi-hit games that he occasionally sprinkles in and the six stolen bases. Still, unless you’re in a very deep NL-only league, stay away.

Kyle KendrickKyle Kendrick, Phillies (defeated Cardinals 4-0)
The line: W(1-1), 7 IP, 0ER, 5.87ERA, 5H, 6K, 0BB
In the “out-of-nowhere” department, Kendrick shuts down what could be the best team in the National League. It’s hard to place words on how surprising this was, and the suggestion is to let him do it a few more times before adding him to your roster.

Clayton Richard, Padres (lost to Rockies 6-5 in 12 inn.)The line: ND, 5IP, 3ER, 3.34ERA, 6H, 5K, 5BB
It seemed to me going into the season as if this guy was overhyped, and he’s beginning to prove it. Although he’s only owned by about 30 percent of CBS players, that number likely is in the 80s in NL-only leagues. His ratio (which says a lot about a pitcher in fantasy baseball) is awful -- whether you use WHIP or K/BB, and always have been, even in the minors. Although he’s young, he’s never going to fire pitches past guys, which will severely limit his worth.

If you have any questions or comments, please send them to jderry@timespicayune.com. Don’t forget to include what type of league you play in (mixed, AL only or NL only), how many teams are in your league and what format you use (4-by-4, 5-by-5 or head-to-head) and whether you’re in a keeper league.>/em>

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